Botanically, garlic (Allium sativum) is considered a vegetable. It shows characteristics of a vegetable as it has a bulb, tall stem, and long leaves.

Allium sativum

The common name garlic was derived from the Old English word garleac. Literally, interpreted, the latter means “spear leek,” making reference to the lanceolate shape of the plant’s cloves. Today, we recognize two main types of garlic: hardneck and softneck.

Garlic in History In the Old World, Egyptian and Indian cultures referred to garlic 5000 years ago and there is clear historical evidence for its use by the Babylonians 4500 years ago and by the Chinese 2000 years ago. Some writings suggest that garlic was grown in China as far back as 4000 years ago.

Garlic (Allium sativum) is a member of the onion (Amaryllidaceae)family, and is classified in the same genus to which onion, leek, chive and shallot belongs. Evidence exists that garlic originated from Allium longiscuspis, since it does not appear in the wild as a species itself.

Hardnecks or variety Ophioscorodon(Ophio) garlics are closer to the original heirloom strains of garlic and are more flavorful and healthier for you. Hardneck garlic tends to be hardier, with a richer, smoother and more garlicky flavor.

Softneck garlic

Three of the most profitable types of garlic to grow include Elephant garlic, purple stripe and Rocambole.

China

It is possible that sewage is used as fertilizer, as it is in many parts of the world although there is no evidence that garlic in China is fertilized in this fashion. In any case, there is no problem with this, human waste is as effective a fertilizer as is animal waste.

Yes, it’s safe to consume Chinese garlic. I think this has more to do with rumors on some Chinese making adulterated or fake food. Also, there have been reports of remnant pesticides in some imported garlic, so if this is something that concerns you, buy them from local farms!

Gilroy

Among the pure-vegetarians, there’s a special category known as Jains. It’s known to everyone that Jains don’t even eat vegetables that grow underground for example onion and garlic.

Onions contain antioxidants and compounds that fight inflammation, decrease triglycerides and reduce cholesterol levels — all of which may lower heart disease risk. Their potent anti-inflammatory properties may also help reduce high blood pressure and protect against blood clots.

08/8​Regulates blood pressure Add garlic to your diet if you suffer from high blood pressure. It widens vessels and decreases arterial pressure. In order to cure hypertension, one should eat 4 cloves of garlic daily. Moreover, garlic decreases the level of ‘bad’ cholesterol in the blood by 10-15%.